What Is the New Marring Exclusion Clause, and How Does It Affect Me?

If you’ve recently looked at your homeowner’s insurance or filed a claim after a storm, you may have come across a term that’s raising eyebrows: the Marring Exclusion Clause.

It sounds technical—and it is—but it could seriously impact how much help you get from your insurance company after roof damage.

So what exactly is this clause, why does it matter, and what can you do to protect yourself?

What Is the Marring Exclusion Clause?

The Marring Exclusion Clause is language in many insurance policies that excludes coverage for cosmetic roof damage—things like scuffs, dents, and surface marks that don’t affect how the roof performs.

In other words, if your roof gets dented from hail but isn’t technically leaking or failing, your insurance might say: “Sorry, not covered.”

This clause is especially common with metal roofing systems, but it can show up in policies for other roofing materials too.

It’s called an exclusion because it limits what your policy will pay for—specifically ruling out any cosmetic-only damage, regardless of how unsightly it may be.

Why Does It Matter?

This exclusion could have real financial consequences after a storm:

• Cosmetic damage may not be covered: Even if your roof looks bad after a storm, insurers may deny your claim.
• You could be stuck paying out of pocket: If insurance doesn’t cover the damage, you’re on your own to fix or replace panels.
• Partial replacements can create mismatched panels: If some panels are replaced and others aren’t, your roof may look patchy.
• It can reduce curb appeal and resale value: A roof that looks dented or scuffed—even if it still works—can hurt your home’s marketability.

In real-world terms, this means a home with $12,000 in visible hail damage might be denied insurance reimbursement simply because the damage is considered “only cosmetic.”

So, Why Are Insurers Adding This Clause?

From the insurer’s perspective, marring exclusions help limit payouts for aesthetic-only issues. With more frequent hailstorms and severe weather events, cosmetic-only claims have risen—especially with costly metal roofs. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), insurers have been tightening policy language to reduce non-structural claim payouts in response to rising claim costs and severe weather trends.

To insurers, it’s a way of keeping premiums more stable and preventing what they consider non-essential repairs from hitting the bottom line. They argue that if the roof still functions, the dents don’t matter.

However, from a homeowner’s perspective, these dents do matter. They lower visual appeal, property value, and can even make a newer home seem neglected. Plus, if you’re in an HOA community or planning to sell, those “non-essential” blemishes could cost you far more than you’d expect.

A Hidden Problem: Most Homeowners Don’t Know It’s There

Here’s one of the most frustrating aspects of the marring exclusion: many policyholders have no idea it’s in their policy until their claim is denied.

The clause is usually buried in the fine print—sometimes in the exclusions section, other times buried under vague policy terminology. It’s not always discussed openly when you purchase or renew your policy.

That’s why homeowners are increasingly surprised when they experience hail damage, file a claim, and get a denial letter that includes the phrase “cosmetic damage not covered.”

What Can You Do About It?

Here’s how to protect yourself from being surprised later:

• Choose a contractor who understands the fine print: Not all roofers will catch this kind of policy clause. Brody Allen Exteriors knows how to review coverage language and guide you through your options.
• Document your roof before and after storms: Take dated photos of your roof, especially if you live in a hail-prone area. This gives you visual proof in case of a claim.
• Ask about marring exclusions during inspections: If your roof has damage, ask specifically whether it’s cosmetic or functional—and how your policy treats that distinction.
• Work with advocates, not just contractors: A reputable contractor will help you work through your claim and even communicate with your insurance company when needed.

Homeowners can also:

• Check your declarations page to see if cosmetic exclusions are mentioned.
• Request clarification from your insurance agent before storm season begins.
• Switch to a policy or provider that doesn’t include this exclusion, if possible. Some specialty insurance providers offer policies that do cover cosmetic damage—though premiums may be slightly higher.

Example Scenario: The $10,000 Surprise

Let’s say you have a standing seam metal roof installed five years ago. A major hailstorm comes through, denting nearly every visible panel. You call your insurance company and file a claim.

The adjuster shows up, takes pictures, agrees it looks terrible—but then informs you the damage is considered cosmetic only. Since there’s a marring exclusion in your policy, your entire claim is denied.

You now have a heavily dented roof that technically “works,” but looks awful—and if you want it replaced, you’re facing a $10,000+ out-of-pocket cost.

Unfortunately, this isn’t hypothetical. It’s happening more frequently across the country, especially in states like Texas, Colorado, Missouri, and others with frequent hail activity.

Is This Clause Legal? Can I Push Back?

Yes, the clause is legal—but you do have options:

• You can ask your insurer if the exclusion can be removed or modified (especially when switching providers).
• You can ask your agent to clarify in writing whether a policy covers cosmetic damage.
• You can shop around for insurance policies that don’t include the exclusion—or that define damage more homeowner-friendly.

In some cases, you can also file an appeal or have your contractor write a letter explaining why the damage should be considered more than cosmetic. Success rates vary, but it’s often worth the effort.

Protecting Your Investment with the Right Roofing Partner

When you work with a contractor who understands both roofing systems and insurance language, you gain a serious advantage.

At Brody Allen Exteriors, we don’t just build roofs—we help you:

• Understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover
• Advocate for your needs when filing a claim
• Identify hidden clauses before they become costly

And because we’re a local company, we understand how insurers behave in your area—and how to prepare your home for the realities of our storm seasons.

Roof Type Matters

Marring exclusions are most commonly applied to metal roofing systems, but we’ve also seen them pop up for high-end synthetic shingles and even some designer asphalt shingles.

When considering a roof upgrade, it’s important to balance:

• Aesthetics
• Durability
• Insurance implications

Our team will walk you through material choices and explain how different products may interact with common exclusions. It’s part of our consultative process, not just a sales pitch.

Bottom Line: Know Before the Storm

Marring exclusions aren’t always obvious, but they’re becoming more common—and more important. A quick read of your declarations page or a conversation with your insurance agent can go a long way in preparing you.

Need help? At Brody Allen Exteriors, we not only install roofs—we help homeowners navigate tricky situations like insurance claims, exclusions, and storm damage disputes.

If you want a roof inspection or want to better understand your coverage before storm season, reach out to us. We’re here to make sure you’re covered—before and after the storm.